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Roxy Hunter and the Secret of the Shaman (NR, 2008)

common sense media says

Tween detective breaks rules, but escapade is fun.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the main character of this made-for-TV movie is an opinionated, strong-willed tween whose determination to solve mysteries often leads her to break rules (she sneaks out at night and steals a piece of a town monument) and act disrespectfully to adults and rudely to peers. But she's also self-reliant and resourceful and has enough self-esteem to stand by her convictions in the face of opposition. Suspense is mild enough that it won't bother the movie's target tween viewers, but two scenes show the supposed ghost of a young girl, and a few characters wrestle with having lost loved ones.

Positive messages: Roxy is a self-assured tween who's passionate about her beliefs and never backs down to peer pressure. But her determination often leads her to break rules (like sneaking out at night and befriending sketchy strangers), and she enjoys playing tricks on her friends. The movie also touches on the emotional response to losing a loved one.
Violence & scariness: A few suspenseful scenes (a boy is startled by a dark figure in the woods, for example), and the supposed ghost of a young child makes an appearance (dialogue refers to her death in a plane crash).
Sexy stuff: Some mild flirting, and one brief kiss between adults.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The movie is based on one of a series of books, so young fans may take an interest in reading them (which certainly isn't a bad thing).
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Roxy Hunter and the Secret of the Shaman

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how the media portrays tweens in general and girls in particular. What characteristics would you say describe Roxy? Are these positive or negative traits? Would you think the same thing if her character was a boy? Do you think the media gives an accurate view of tween life? In your opinion, which tween characters are more believable than others? Why?

What's the story?

What's the story?
As she settles into life in Serenity Falls, young gumshoe Roxy Hunter (Aria Wallace) stumbles upon another mystery in need of solving. A local vagrant (Richard McMillan) is building an unusual structure in the woods, and Roxy's sense of adventure leads her to believe that he's a shaman in disguise. She appoints herself his apprentice, and when a missing piece of the town's new monument is stolen and turns up among his things, Roxy is the only one who insists he's innocent. Only with her determination -- and some impressive detective work from her best friend, Max (Demetrius Joyette) -- can the real culprit be discovered.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
There's no doubt that tweens -- especially girls -- will thoroughly enjoy Roxy's adventures. And in many ways, the precocious gumshoe is an appropriate role model for her female tween fans. She's resourceful, self-reliant, determined, and fairly bursting with gumption and self-assurance. Once she takes hold of a cause, she always sees it through to the end, and she's never bothered by negative pressure from peers or adults.

But Roxy's strong-willed personality often leads her to make questionable choices, like sneaking out of the house at night or stealing the crystal from the town's lighthouse. She also turns the tables on irritating peers by playing pranks on them, and she speaks and acts rudely to adults. But in the end, she owns up to her wrongdoings and faces the consequences for them.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: Eleanor Lindo
Cast: Aria Wallace, Demetrius Joyette, Robin Brule
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release: February 1, 2008
DVD release: July 15, 2008
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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WANT MY 9 YR OLD TO GET BOOK IFFY FOR 6 YR OLD
I'D LIKE MY 9 YEAR OLD TO READ THE BOOKS. SHE LIKES THE MAGIC TREEHOUSE SERIES, AND SHE LIKES THESE SHOWS.IT MADE MY 6 YEAR OLD ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS AND SHE WAS A LITTLE SCARED OF THE LITTLE GIRL WHO WAS A "GHOST".
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